Please register to participate in our discussions with 2 million other members - it's free and quick! Some forums can only be seen by registered members. After you create your account, you'll be able to customize options and access all our 15,000 new posts/day with fewer ads.
Yes, I work at Macy's and I really don't give a s.hit about anybodies zip codes. I make one for you, instead of asking.
However, the reason stores ask you is either a marketing tool, to see where their customers live, or if you pay with a credit or debit card, to make sure you are the owner of the card. If you give the wrong zip code, the card wont work. If I had a customer giving me 00000 for their zip, I would not question it. Roll my eyes maybe, but just put in any number and move on.
I never tell the zip code of my address and I've never had my card declined. In fact, now in California, they aren't allowed to ask anymore.
I also find it annoying; similarly, I hate it when I walk into a haircut place the robot at the front says "Hello welcome to [Something Cuts], what's your phone number?" I just pick up the business card sitting there on the desk and give them the number on it.
When I fill up with gas at some gas stations, the pump asks for my zip code while processing my transaction- no way to skip it- either enter the zip code or cancel the whole transaction. I wonder if putting in a fake zip code would work there, or is it somehow tied to my account for validation purposes?
Gas Pump are the 1 way stolen credit card number are check for see if they are vaild. When you swipe your card to start the pump, the billing zipcode is sent as part of the aurthorization needed for the card to verifly that the holder know the billing zipcode. If the number is stolen, the person using it might not know what the billing zip code is. If you are from a small town, and someone in town steals they will know the code. but Most stolen card number are sold on the 'black' market and they will not know what the billing zipcode is.
I also find it annoying; similarly, I hate it when I walk into a haircut place the robot at the front says "Hello welcome to [Something Cuts], what's your phone number?" I just pick up the business card sitting there on the desk and give them the number on it.
The phone number works to our advantage especially to the hubby. The hairstylist records his hair cut preference/razor #, something like that in the system. Then we get coupons in the mail for half off haircuts and the like. I get some kind of freebie or good coupon in the mail at least once a day.
There is no problem getting your zip or address. Its for market purposes IMO.I knw that thery built another suer wal-mart when they saw were a large per cenatge of business was from. here.They put it where itseves more rual areas people are comig in from, Always been a key to location.
I always lie. I give them real zip codes, but not where I live.
Why? It's not as if they are asking for specific personal identifying information such as your phone number. Why would you care if they want your zip code so that they know from where their customers are coming?
Ok, I explain again, sometimes, in order for certain cards to work, this is required.
Merlot -
On Feb 10th 2010, the California Supreme State court determined that ZIP Codes were "personal identification information" that merchants can't demand from customers under a state consumer privacy law.
The ruling allows ZIP Codes to be collected only under these circumstances:
1) at gas station pumps where the information is requested for security reasons
2) in transactions that involve shipping
3) when a credit card is used as a deposit or for a cash advance
Why? It's not as if they are asking for specific personal identifying information such as your phone number. Why would you care if they want your zip code so that they know from where their customers are coming?
When it was still legal for them to ask, my reasoning for giving them a fake number or none at all - - because if they collect enough from my ZIP code, they may decide to build a store in my ZIP code.
I'm rural, don't want any stores building up around here
I really liked to watch the cashiers when my daughter from Belgium was visiting last Christmas. She rattled off her mailing code for Brussels
Please register to post and access all features of our very popular forum. It is free and quick. Over $68,000 in prizes has already been given out to active posters on our forum. Additional giveaways are planned.
Detailed information about all U.S. cities, counties, and zip codes on our site: City-data.com.
Please register to participate in our discussions with 2 million other members - it's free and quick! Some forums can only be seen by registered members. After you create your account, you'll be able to customize options and access all our 15,000 new posts/day with fewer ads.
